look
what a baby-paw it is!"

The assistants joined in their chiefs laugh, as they saw the mutilated
wretch faint with pain.

"Never mind!" said Hesso, coolly; "if he bleeds to death, we shall be
sure that he won't try this business again."

"One moment, sir! Will you allow me a moment's conversation with the
prisoners?" asked Erwin.

"What for?" was the reply, and the headsman stared angrily at the
Count.

"As you have yourself told me, the besieged are in the habit of sending
out to escort these convoys; perhaps I may gain some useful information
which will decide the Emperor to adopt some more energetic measures!"

"Three!" cried Hesso.

And at the same time was heard the cry of pain and a brutal laugh.

"More energetic measures are well enough, but you will get no
information.--Four!"

"But it is worth trying."

"Five!"--and a bloody hand fell at Erwin's feet.

"It will be labor in vain; you don't know these bandits; all they are
fit for, is to lie and steal!--Seven!--And besides, it is too late
now,--here is the last--Eight!--It is all over. Long live the Emperor!"
said Hesso.

Among the victims, some had fainted with pain, others had still
strength enough to bind up their bleeding arms.

"Have you no orders to dress their wounds?" asked Erwin. "The Emperor
has prescribed their punishment, but he does not wish the poor wretches
to bleed to death."

"You are right," was the reply. "Where is that quack Lutold? Come here
with your plasters, old man."

And while the surgeon, thanks to the interference of the young Count,
discharged his duty, Rechberg and his squire took their way to the
Imperial camp.

_CHAPTER XXVI_.

_TREACHERY_.

Events of great importance had attracted the attention of all the
Court, and Erwin's prolonged and unusual absence had in consequence
passed unnoticed.

Influenced by their sincere admiration for the heroic resistance made
by the citizens, and out of respect for the nobility of the Guelphic
faction, the Count Palatine Conrad, Count Ludwig, and the Duke of
Bohemia, decided to employ all their influence in case the besieged
should seek to negotiate terms of surrender. The Milanese Consuls were
agreeably surprised by the proposal, and eagerly accepted the offered
mediation.

A short time after Erwin's departure from the camp, the nobles
presented themselves in a body before the Emperor and made known